Questions We Get Asked Every Week at Bloomington Farm & Feed

We love questions. After years of helping Twin Cities backyard farmers, hobby flock keepers, and small-animal owners, we've noticed the same great questions come up again and again. Here are the ones we answer most — and our honest answers.

“What feed should I be using?”

This is the big one. The answer depends on your animal, their age, and what you're trying to achieve. For chickens: chick starter for the first 8 weeks, grower from 8–18 weeks, then layer pellets once they start laying. For rabbits, game birds, and waterfowl, the formula changes — but we'll always point you to the right bag. When in doubt, ask us before you buy.

We carry feed from several trusted Minnesota mills — here's a quick guide to help you choose:

• Famo Feeds — A great all-around choice for backyard flock keepers who want consistent, reliable nutrition at a strong value. Famo formulas are corn-and-soybean-based with added vitamins and minerals — straightforward, proven nutrition that laying hens thrive on. Popular with layer hen owners across the Twin Cities.
• Luxemburg Feed Mill — Luxemburg uses locally grown grains with minimal processing, making it a favorite for customers who prioritize hyper-local sourcing, clean ingredients, and supporting small Minnesota mills. It is our only product that is available in No Soy and No Corn/No Soy varieties.
• Heim's Milling — Known for quality grain-based formulas with a traditional whole-grain approach. Heim's tends to have a coarser grind and higher fiber content, which some flock keepers prefer for gut health and natural foraging behavior. A solid pick for customers who want a no-frills feed with a long track record.

Not sure which mill is right for your flock? Reach out — we're happy to help you compare.

“Is your feed locally sourced?”

Yes — and we're proud of it. We partner with Minnesota mills to bring you fresh, transparently sourced feed. Buying local means shorter supply chains, fresher product, and money that stays in the Minnesota economy. We'll always tell you where your feed comes from.

“Do you deliver?”

Yes! We deliver to the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius. Next-day delivery is available on most orders. You can also order online and pick up locally in Bloomington — whatever works best for your schedule.

“Do you have a storefront?”

We're an online-first feed store serving the Twin Cities metro — which means lower overhead and faster delivery straight to your door. No physical storefront, but we offer local pickup in Bloomington and next-day delivery within 30 miles. Think of us as your neighborhood feed store, minus the drive.

“My hen stopped laying — what's wrong?”

This is one of the most common calls we get, especially in fall and winter. The most likely culprits: reduced daylight hours, a molt, stress from a flock change, or a nutritional gap. Before assuming something is seriously wrong, check your light exposure, review your feed, and make sure your coop is draft-free. If you're still stumped, reach out — we're happy to troubleshoot.

“How do I know if my feed has gone bad?”

Fresh feed should smell clean and slightly grain-like. If it smells musty, sour, or off — or if you see clumping, mold, or insects — don't feed it. Store feed in a sealed, dry container off the ground. In Minnesota's humid summers, feed can turn faster than you'd expect. Buying in quantities your flock goes through in 2–4 weeks is a good rule of thumb.

“What's the difference between layer pellets and crumbles?”

Same nutrition, different form. Pellets are compressed and tend to produce less waste — good for adult hens. Crumbles are broken down smaller and easier for younger birds to eat. Some keepers prefer crumbles for mixed-age flocks. Either works; it mostly comes down to your birds' preference and how much waste you're willing to sweep up.

“Do you carry [specific brand]?”

We carry a curated selection of brands we trust — including locally made options from Minnesota mills, NutriSource, and others. If you're looking for something specific, reach out and we'll let you know if we carry it or can source it.

“How much feed does a chicken eat per day?”

A standard laying hen eats roughly ¼ lb (about 4 oz) of feed per day. For a flock of 6, that's about 1.5 lbs daily or roughly 10–11 lbs per week. Free-choice feeding works well for most backyard flocks — keep the feeder full and let them self-regulate.

Still have a question?

Reach out — we genuinely enjoy this stuff. You can also browse our Chicken Feed collection or our Brooding & Chick Supplies to get started.